Safety Plans/ Wellbeing plans
What is a safety plan/wellbeing plan?
Safety plans are a useful tool for anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts and feelings. Importantly it outlines actions you can take to keep yourself safe when you have a strong urge to harm or kill yourself.
This can be crucial for men who might not fully understand why they’re feeling down and out. It helps you recognize triggers and warning signs in your behaviour such as excessive drinking and doing drugs, thoughts, and feelings during stressful times. (see whats worrying you section Support Available | Calm your mind
Your safety plan might include details like:
- Emergency contacts for when you’re in crisis – this can be emergency services or contacts of people you trust
- Helplines and listening services to reach out to
- Actions to make your immediate surroundings safe
- Information about a safe place to go if needed
You can fill the plan out yourself along with someone you know and trust. It does not have to be a professional. A mate/ family member or anyone else who knows you can help you create it.
Stay Alive App
Stay Alive is a one-stop resource designed to keep you on track. It’s not just for you; it can also be a useful tool for those concerned about someone else.
Take a look at the website for more information –
StayAlive – Essential suicide prevention for everyday life
Stay Alive App can be downloaded through these places :-
iTunes App store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stay-…
Android App store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de…
Website: www.prevent-suicide.org.uk
For more detailed guidance on creating your safety plan, visit Creating a ‘safety plan’ | Samaritans
If you need help now
If you need urgent mental health support call Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 free crisis line 0800 051 1508
It’s free to call from both landlines and mobiles and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages who need urgent mental health support (including children and young people).
Need to offload to someone?
24/7 support via phone
Samaritans are there to listen and are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year call 116 123 for FREE
24/7 support via text
Struggling to cope and need to talk you can text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for FREE 24/7 support
Does any of this sound like you? Although it may feel like a good idea at the time in the long run it only makes matters worse and brings you further down.
Take a moment to think about what’s bothering you. Has there been an unexpected life change, such as a breakup or losing your job? Have you stared to get physical pain such as a sore back? Life’s stresses can come out in us physically not realising it is actually because something is bothering us.
Men tend to approach problems differently than women, and some may hesitate to talk to their partners, friends, or family because we know men don’t want to worry those they love. Don’t keep it all inside. Perhaps start by hanging out with a mate, going for some food or a walk. This might help make you feel better and offload.
Seeking help doesn’t mean you are weak – it means you’re strong enough to face your challenges head on and you don’t have to do it alone.
In this Video Ricky Hatton talks about how he is speaking up about his own struggles to help encourage other men to do the same –
MONEY WORRIES
Are money worries affecting your wellbeing? Read our guide on the practical steps you can take to calm your mind, plus tips on where to seek expert support.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Helping men cope with grief and loss
Whether it is the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a child, losing someone or something we love can have a devastating impact.